The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Richard Baloyi welcomes the signing of the wage settlement for the 2011/12 financial year. In this regard the Minister reports that 81,8 percent of the public service unions participating at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) have signed the agreement this afternoon.
Minister Baloyi acknowledges a positive note from the remaining union that they may come on board and sign for the duration of the offer on the table.
With this percentage support, the Minister confirms that in terms of the PSCBC constitution there's an overwhelming majority for the settlement to be implemented.
The settlement binds the employer and the unions to the implementation to address such issues as the following:
- 6,8 percent salary increment with effect from 1 May 2011
- equalisation of pre and post retirement medical assistance benefits
- further investigation on subsidy equalisation for members of Government Employees Medical Scheme and those of other medical aid schemes
- a process to finalise the introduction of an alternative housing scheme
- elevation of the debate on conditions governing essential services workers to the principals of parties participating at the PSCBC
- subjecting work-in-progress issues as per Resolution 1 of 2007 and Resolution 5 of 2009 to the second round of negotiations which will commence immediately
- further negotiating new matters urgently including negotiations on the proposed multi-term agreement.
Minister Baloyi has applauded the conduct of negotiators and parties during the process in adhering to the joint decision by government and labour that engagements be contained within the bargaining council.
The rationale behind this agreement was to give negotiators and parties in the PSCBC an opportunity to deal with issues before them in an environment that is free of interference and emotions.
The Minister has further undertaken to give a detailed briefing on the agreement and way forward together with leaders of the parties participating at the PSCBC at a media briefing on Thursday, 18 August 2011.
Enquiries:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Tel: 012 336 1704
Cell: 082 885 9448
E-mail: dumisanin@dpsa.gov.za
Lebohang Mafokosi
Tel: 012 336 1017
Cell: 082 312 4641
E-mail: lebohangm@dpsa.gov.za
